Fill in the ESTA form questions correctly

When planning a trip to the United States, the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an essential step that should not be overlooked. This electronic form plays a crucial role in authorizing visa-free travel to the United States. That is why it is vital to correctly complete the questions on the ESTA form. Indeed, an error or omission may lead to complications when obtaining the ESTA and could potentially jeopardize your trip. On this page, we guide you on how to answer the questions on the ESTA form accurately and consistently, helping you avoid issues and obtain your electronic travel authorization quickly. Understanding the importance of each question and providing accurate and up-to-date information will allow you to go through the ESTA application process with peace of mind. Follow our advice and practical tips to correctly complete the ESTA form and get ready for a smooth travel experience to the United States.

🧾 Before you start, make sure you are among the travelers eligible for the ESTA program (list of nationalities and conditions): 👉 List of countries eligible for ESTA. If you are a Japanese passport holder, here is a dedicated guide with specific details and reminders: ESTA for Japanese citizens.

💳 To plan your budget, also check the official price of ESTA USA (fees and online payment).

⏱️ In terms of timing, here are the key points to know about the ESTA processing time to avoid last-minute applications.

Questions asked on the ESTA form: at a glance

• 👤 Personal information: You must provide personal details such as your full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, and passport number.
• ✅ Eligibility for the ESTA program: You must meet certain conditions to be eligible for the ESTA program, including not having been convicted of a serious crime and not posing a threat to U.S. security.
• ✈️ Previous travel to the United States: You must indicate whether you have previously traveled to the United States and, if so, provide information about those trips.
• 🏨 Stay in the United States: You must indicate the purpose of your trip, your planned arrival date, and the address of your first accommodation in the United States.
• 📞 Contact information: You must provide emergency contact details, such as your email address and phone number.

📅 If you plan multiple entries into the United States, take the time to understand the validity of ESTA for multiple trips (duration, number of entries, stay limits).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Traveling with family, children, or as a group? Here are the rules you need to know: ESTA USA for family / group / children.

The different sections of the ESTA application form:

The ESTA form consists of several sections and questions that require a clear understanding in order to correctly complete your electronic travel authorization application. Below is a detailed explanation of the main sections of the form and tips to help you understand the terms used and the information required:

Personal information

👤 This section concerns your personal details such as your name, date of birth, gender, nationality, address, passport number, etc. Make sure to provide this information exactly as it appears on your passport.

💡 Tip: Take the time to carefully review your personal information before submitting it. Errors in this section may result in your application being denied.

Travel information

✈️ This section concerns the details of your trip, including your airline, flight number, your point of contact in the United States, etc. Be precise when providing this information to avoid any confusion.

🔁 If you only have a stopover or transit, the requirements may differ depending on your itinerary: ESTA transit / stopover in the United States.

🗽 For a trip specifically to New York, find the latest entry requirements here: ESTA or visa for New York.🚶‍♂️ Once your entry formalities are clear, you can plan your itinerary with a simple walking route idea: city walking guide.

🚗 And if you are entering by land from Canada, here is what you need to know: Is ESTA mandatory at the Canada–USA border?.

💡 Tip: Before filling out this section, make sure you have all the details of your travel itinerary at hand.

Health and criminal background

⚕️ In this section, you will need to answer questions about your health status and criminal history. Be honest and provide accurate information. Incorrect or misleading answers may result in serious consequences. ⚖️ For questions related to criminal records, here is a clear guide: ESTA and criminal record.

Tips for correctly answering the questions on the ESTA form:

When completing the ESTA form, it is essential to answer the questions accurately and consistently. Here are some practical tips to help you correctly complete the ESTA form and maximize your chances of quickly obtaining your electronic travel authorization:

• 📌 Read each question carefully: Take the time to carefully read each question before providing your answer. Make sure you clearly understand what is being asked.
• ✅ Be precise and concise: Provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information. Avoid approximations or assumptions. Ensure that the details provided match your current situation.
• 🗣️ Use clear language: Use simple and clear wording when answering the questions. Avoid technical or legal terms unless you are certain of their exact meaning.
• 🧩 Do not leave fields blank: Make sure to answer all mandatory questions on the form. Do not leave any field empty unless explicitly stated.
• ⚠️ Do not lie or conceal information: Answer all questions honestly and truthfully. Lying or concealing information may result in serious consequences, including the denial of your ESTA application.
• 📄 Review relevant documents beforehand: If you need to provide precise information such as travel dates or flight numbers, make sure you have the relevant documents available before completing the form.
• 🔎 Check your answers: Before submitting your application, take the time to carefully review your answers. Make sure they are correct, consistent, and properly spelled.

💰 To avoid issues at the time of payment, follow these steps: 👉 How to pay for ESTA.

🖨️ To travel with peace of mind, many travelers wonder whether a document must be presented at boarding: Do you need to print your ESTA?.

How to answer specific questions on the ESTA form?

The ESTA form includes specific questions that may require special attention when completing the application. Below is an overview of frequently asked questions on the ESTA form, along with guidance on how to answer them appropriately:

• 🧭 Travel history: The ESTA form may ask you to provide details about your previous travel to the United States or other countries. Make sure to list all countries visited and the corresponding dates. If you have difficulty remembering exact details, consult old passports or travel records.
• 💼 Employment information: The ESTA form may ask for details about your current or previous employment. Clearly indicate your job title, the name of the company, and the relevant contact details. If you are unemployed, state your current situation transparently.
• 🩺 Health questions: The ESTA form may include questions about your health status, including contagious diseases or medical conditions that may pose a public health risk. Answer honestly and provide accurate information.
• ⚖️ Other specific questions: The ESTA form may contain other specific questions, such as affiliations with terrorist groups or past criminal convictions. Answer these questions appropriately by providing accurate and complete information.

✏️ If you need to correct certain details after submission, here is what can (or cannot) be modified: Modify your ESTA.

🚫 In case of a data entry error, here are the correct steps to take: Error on the ESTA form.

🇨🇺 Finally, travel to Cuba may affect ESTA eligibility: ESTA after travel to Cuba.

Common mistakes to avoid when completing the ESTA application form:

When completing the ESTA form, it is important to avoid certain common mistakes that could lead to delays or rejection of your application. Below are some frequently made errors and tips to avoid them:

• ⌨️ Typographical or spelling errors: One of the most common mistakes is making typing or spelling errors in the information provided. These errors may cause issues during data verification. Take the time to carefully check each answer before submitting the form.
• 🔁 Contradictory answers: It is important to answer all questions consistently. Contradictory answers may raise confusion or suspicion during the review of your application.
• 🧾 Omission of relevant information: It is essential to provide all required information on the ESTA form. Omitting important details may result in the rejection of your application.
• ⚠️ Answers that do not reflect reality: It is imperative to provide truthful and accurate answers. Any false declaration or concealment of information may lead to serious legal consequences.
• 🔎 Failure to review answers: Before submitting your application, carefully review all the answers you have provided. A thorough review helps detect and correct potential errors.

🛂 If your passport has changed (expiration, renewal, new number), here is the procedure to follow: renew ESTA after a passport change.

List of questions on the ESTA form

Below is the detailed list of questions you must answer on the ESTA form:

🔎 Note (2026 update): The ESTA form sections may change over time, including elements related to social media. To stay up to date, check: ESTA USA: social media (updates).

Section 1: Traveler information

• Last name
• First name
• Other name(s) or alias(es) (if applicable)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Country of nationality
• Passport number
• Passport expiration date
• Country of passport issuance
• National identity card number (if applicable)
• Email address
• Phone number
• Current address
• Father’s name
• Mother’s name

Section 2: Passport and background information

• Have you ever been convicted of a serious crime?
• Have you ever been arrested or charged with a crime, even if you were acquitted, pardoned, or the charges were dropped?
• Have you ever been a member of a terrorist organization or involved in terrorist activities?
• Have you ever been denied entry to the United States or been removed, deported, or expelled from the United States?
• Do you suffer from a serious contagious disease?
• Have you ever been hospitalized in a psychiatric institution or a drug rehabilitation facility?
• Do you plan to travel to the United States to engage in sex tourism or human trafficking?

Section 3: Travel information

• What is the purpose of your trip to the United States?
• Dates of your trip
• Address of your first accommodation in the United States
• Name and address of a contact person in the United States who can be reached in case of emergency
• Have you previously traveled to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)?
• If yes, please indicate the dates of your previous trips

⚡ If your departure is only a few days away, here are the options to consider: Apply for ESTA urgently.

🏝️ For certain U.S.-related territories, the rules may be confusing: ESTA for Puerto Rico.

Section 4: Declaration and signature